For many people, an office building is like a home away from home. We spend a good portion of our waking hours at work. So it’s possible that, at some point, you may get trapped in a building during a fire, an earthquake or some other disaster. Once again, the best evacuations are those done calmly and orderly. Here’s some advice that could save your life when fleeing a building.

Go to the nearest fire escape exit when you hear a fire alarm or see a fire.

If you need to descend from a higher floor, always take the stairs… never use the elevator.

Alert others to the possible danger as you exit the building.

Offer assistance to others if it does not threaten your own life.

If possible, as you exit avoid areas in the building that might contain chemicals or other flammables.

If it is a fire situation, close doors and windows behind you as you leave, as this can slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Follow any designated evacuation signs posted in the building.

Once you get outside, go immediately to an area that is safely away from the disaster site.

When you are safely outside, make a mental note of any people that seem to be missing and notify emergency personnel at the site.